Thousands of people flocked to New York City's streets to celebrate the 99th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, braving gusty winds and chilly temperatures to catch a glimpse of the iconic balloons and floats.
As Tom the Turkey kicked off the parade with its traditional "Turkey, over here!" chant, crowds of excited children screamed with delight, their eyes fixed on the colorful spectacle unfolding before them. The annual event was a beloved tradition for many families, who had been making it an annual pilgrimage to watch the parade together.
For some, like Laura Condi, age 7, and her mother, the parade was a cherished family ritual that they looked forward to every year. For Laura, it was her fifth year attending the parade with her mom, and she couldn't wait to see all the new balloons and floats. Despite the early wake-up call and long day ahead, Laura's excitement only grew as she bounced along the parade route.
Others were more serious about their attendance, like Eric, a dad who had been waiting five years to claim his spot at the front of the crowd with his family. "We're a few families," he explained. "The dads came earlier and the moms and children came later." Eric's family had made it an annual tradition, and they were determined to make this year's parade one to remember.
Among the revelers was Clara Scott, who turned 8 on Friday, and was celebrating with her family at the parade. Wearing a birthday crown and clutching a "Happy Birthday" sign, Clara beamed with excitement as she watched the Rockettes perform in front of Radio City Music Hall.
For others, like Allyson Merrigan and her husband, attending the parade was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that checked off their bucket list. The couple had only been married for a few months and had always dreamed of watching the Macy's Day Parade together. As they watched Snoopy float by, Allyson couldn't help but feel grateful to have made this dream come true.
As the parade drew to a close, attendees couldn't help but express their gratitude for the event that brought them all together on this special day. "This is the most energizing Thanksgiving we've ever had," said Kathy Miller, 76, who traveled from St Petersburg, Florida to be part of the parade for the first time.
As Tom the Turkey kicked off the parade with its traditional "Turkey, over here!" chant, crowds of excited children screamed with delight, their eyes fixed on the colorful spectacle unfolding before them. The annual event was a beloved tradition for many families, who had been making it an annual pilgrimage to watch the parade together.
For some, like Laura Condi, age 7, and her mother, the parade was a cherished family ritual that they looked forward to every year. For Laura, it was her fifth year attending the parade with her mom, and she couldn't wait to see all the new balloons and floats. Despite the early wake-up call and long day ahead, Laura's excitement only grew as she bounced along the parade route.
Others were more serious about their attendance, like Eric, a dad who had been waiting five years to claim his spot at the front of the crowd with his family. "We're a few families," he explained. "The dads came earlier and the moms and children came later." Eric's family had made it an annual tradition, and they were determined to make this year's parade one to remember.
Among the revelers was Clara Scott, who turned 8 on Friday, and was celebrating with her family at the parade. Wearing a birthday crown and clutching a "Happy Birthday" sign, Clara beamed with excitement as she watched the Rockettes perform in front of Radio City Music Hall.
For others, like Allyson Merrigan and her husband, attending the parade was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that checked off their bucket list. The couple had only been married for a few months and had always dreamed of watching the Macy's Day Parade together. As they watched Snoopy float by, Allyson couldn't help but feel grateful to have made this dream come true.
As the parade drew to a close, attendees couldn't help but express their gratitude for the event that brought them all together on this special day. "This is the most energizing Thanksgiving we've ever had," said Kathy Miller, 76, who traveled from St Petersburg, Florida to be part of the parade for the first time.
! it's amazing how something as simple as a parade can bring families and friends together like this. i love that there are both little kids like laura and her mom, just excited to see the balloons, and couples like allyson and her husband, who've been dreaming of this experience for years 
. and let's not forget about eric and his crew, who make it a tradition every year 
! it warms my heart to see people putting joy above just one day on the calendar 
. And can you believe some people were there since 5 years ago? That dedication is real 
! But what I think is even cooler is that it's not just about the balloons and floats, it's about creating memories with loved ones 
. I've got a life hack for ya - have you ever tried making a DIY photo booth with props at home? It's a great way to capture those special moments without breaking the bank 
!
I'm still trying to figure out how they're getting away with those giant balloons in the wind 
, but I guess that's just what makes it so iconic, right? 
. And can we talk about how cute Clara Scott is in her birthday crown, I'm dying over here 
! I also feel bad for Allyson Merrigan and her husband, getting married so recently and already checking off their bucket list 
.
everyone was so hyped and happy it was like one big happy fam 
they're just the best part of the whole thing, i mean who doesn't love a good cartoon character or two (or ten) 
I was supposed to go but my internet was out lol 
anyway I heard it was super crowded and windy outside but like totally worth it, right? 
I love how everyone has their own special reason for coming - some people are like "tradition" while others are just checking off a bucket list 
they're so iconic! I still remember watching the parade with my grandma when I was little, she's no longer with us tho 
but it's amazing that it's still going strong after all these years 
. I mean, who needs a beach vacation when you can watch balloons and floats, right? It's not just about the kids, though – there are people like Eric and his family who make it an annual tradition. They're the ones who really know how to bring the excitement 
. And Clara, rocking that birthday crown? That's some extra holiday cheer 
. The thing is, this parade isn't just a fun distraction from Turkey Day dinner; it's something people actually look forward to all year 
.
but what really gets me is how much ppl love this event 
happy birthday to her btw 
and kudos 2 Kathy who traveled all the way from florida 
. it makes me think about how fleeting life can be - one minute you're waiting for the parade to start, the next you're cheering on Tom the Turkey like he's an old friend 
I'm literally still buzzing from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 